ass and polished metal walls reflected every movement as if the building breathed along

ts and a low voice who pointed out the different cubicles. Each one more impersonal th

u'll share a monitoring system, although your reports go directly

ut sober, and mid-heeled heels of the same color. Her makeup was minimal, but enough to reinforce the impression of soli

eeting, without enthusiasm. There was distrust in th

assistant announced. "She'll be evaluating protocols and the

-haired woman in her fifties. Her voi

other, younger woman with thick gl

u," said the thi

silence for a few sec

irst round of interviews. It will be individual, informal. Nothing invasive." The way each of t

ent from above," the assistant said quietly as t

, inside, something about that reaction made her stomach turn. T

, crisscrossed by endless lines of traffic. The tables were occupied by small groups conversing in whispers.

sipped, a murmur made her glance. At another table, at least two people were wa

rted," sh

like the foot that threatens to crush everything. I've been assigned a trusted role, yes, but I

g a light blue shirt without a tie, a charcoal gray jacket, and the same firm gait that

offee yet?" he asked, his tone

eral atmosphere," Lucía r

't carrying his briefcase. Just a cup in his hand and a tiny wr

good first impress

rea

. Here, being feare

s something in his way of speaking that seeme

be feared. I'm he

rous," he replied,

footsteps, and distant voices floated around, but

u expect from my role?" Luc

Not with defiance, bu

eak. Bright people d

something ling

ed something I don't even want to admit. I'm not w

d to her office. Outside, the sky was beginning t

with a soft click and leaned his back against it, for the first time i

the window without looking at the city. In his mind, he saw her again. Sitting

ía

ought of from a distance, like an unsettling enigma. There was something abou

asn't ju

in her left hand-with that almost elegant gesture that had nothing to do with the conc

less comfort. But there's something about her that breaks throu

pped it on the chair. He ran a

ound precise without being cruel. How you can tell she's carrying so

ot in the office. Not between reports or protocols. But in the intimacy of a long, honest

ook his head,

d softly, li

hat was f

eling was

place, desire was the

ith his reflection. He still had the face of someo

't an option. S

ldn't stop thin